God’s final blow

Exodus 12

God’s final blow to Pharaoh and Egypt that released His people from their control was the mass death of their firstborn from Pharaoh to the commonest man. He spared His own people and judged Egypt for all the years of oppression of His people. Nothing could have stopped the Lord from fulfilling His promise to Abraham in Genesis 15 to free His descendants from slavery to their promised land that flows with milk and honey. Never doubt what God says He will do!

Four important lessons from Exodus 12:

#1. God declares His plans before He executes. (Exodus 12:1-28)

God is not arbitrary. He plans, announces and executes whatever He wants to do. He told Noah in Genesis 6 that He will destroy the wicked from the face of the earth and preserve the righteous and He did that. He told Moses and Aaron what He intended to do – deliver His people and destroy the firstborn of Egyptians and beast in the land. He prescribed how Israel would be delivered by instituting the Passover. Each household was to sacrifice an unblemished lamb and take some of the blood and put it on the doorposts and lintel. He will pass through Egypt that night and execute judgment. Moses gathered the elders and informed them and Israel complied. God’s judgment is consistently to punish the wicked and preserve the life of the righteous. God demonstrated that He is the judge of all flesh.

#2. God executes His plans as He declares. (Exodus 12:29-30)

Second lesson is that God actually visited wrath on Pharaoh and Egyptians with the death of their firstborn at midnight. From Pharaoh to the commonest person, there was wailing everywhere including the death of the firstborn of beasts of the land. This teaches us that whatever God says, He does it. He does not speak to entertain people. He is serious about what He says and committed to it fulfillment. He actually killed the firstborn of Egyptians for their sins against Him. There is a judgment day for every wicked person. There is an appointed day of God’s wrath.

#3. God delivers and favours His people. (Exodus 12:31-42)

After 430 years of slavery, Israel was free to go and serve God. Though the promise may tarry, it shall surely come to pass in the timing of God. God prophesied this day to Moses in Exodus 3 and it happened. Pharaoh called Moses and Aaron and told them to lead the people out after the death of the firstborn of Egyptians. Just as He predicted, God caused the Egyptians to favour the Jews with silver, gold and clothing for their journey. Indeed, they plundered the Egyptians. Here again, God’s promise came to pass. There is nothing He says that can be hindered from happening. Just hold on to His promise and you shall see its fulfillment. 600,000 men on foot journeyed out of Egypt.

#4. God instructs His people to remember and keep the Passover. (Exodus 12:43-51)

The final lesson is that God gave Israel regulations on the observance of the Passover annually. He told them about who can take it and how to take it. He wanted them to keep it as a memorial just like the Holy Communion is in remembrance of the Lord’s death and covenant with us. When their children ask them, they will recount what the Lord did for them on that midnight when He struck the firstborn of Egypt and spared Israel. Indeed the Lord mentioned to Moses that with a strong hand Pharaoh will let the people go and it surely took place. God is teaching us here that we must use the records of His past works of goodness to share with successive generations to strengthen their trust in Him. He is good and His mercies endure forever. 

Whatever our God promises to do, He is committed to seeing it fulfillment. There is nothing outside of His capable execution. Trust in the Lord and see His salvation whilst He destroys the wicked.

Take Action: Ask God to conclude your spiritual warfare.